Sanchez said Monday he is endorsing Hilton, who previously was endorsed by the Sandusky County Democratic Party, because he offers a "fresh perspective" needed for a county struggling with a growing drug epidemic and a department in need of repairing public trust.

The mayor said he could not support his own party's candidate, incumbent Sheriff Kyle Overmyer, after he was indicted in August on 43 criminal charges.

"I have respect for Kyle Overmyer and I would have supported him if he was not facing an indictment," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said Monday that Hilton, a Townsend Township resident, is the right candidate to lead a sheriff's office that has been hampered by Overmyer's legal problems at a time when the county is battling a growing drug epidemic.

"I think Chris brings a fresh perspective," Sanchez said. "If you followed my campaign (as mayor) you know I am not always about Republican and Democrat."

Sanchez said the residents of Fremont and Sandusky County should set aside party affiliation and choose the person best for the job, a person Sanchez believes is Hilton.

"I've had the opportunity to meet Chris along the campaign and I believe what he's saying," Sanchez said. "He's big on combating the drug problem and he is the best candidate."

Sanchez said Hilton has reached out to him and other law enforcement officials and mayors in an attempt to get on the same page with local leaders.

"It's important the sheriff reaches out, and Chris will work well with law enforcement in the county and with the mayors," Sanchez said.

Hilton is running as an independent in the Nov. 8 general election against Overmyer and James Consolo, a former Sandusky County Sheriff's detective who also is running as an independent.